Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, DOL NEWS—Agency seeks contractor to accelerate integration of AI skills into Registered Apprenticeship programs, (Apr 3, 2026)
Organizations Mentioned:U.S. Department of Labor
By Brandi O. Brown, J.D.
Meanwhile, it announces a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Science Foundation intended to advance workforce development efforts related to AI.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a national contracting opportunity to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence skills into Registered Apprenticeship programs, advancing preparation of the American workforce for future jobs.
Led by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the initiative seeks to expand AI-related training, modernize apprenticeship programs, and strengthen workforce pipelines across emerging and critical industries. It seeks to ensure workers across all sectors gain the AI literacy and technical skills needed to remain competitive.
“AI is transforming every industry, and our workforce systems must evolve just as quickly,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “This initiative will help ensure American workers are not merely participants in the AI economy but leading it.”
Priorities. The initiative advances three priorities: embedding AI tools and curricula into existing apprenticeship programs; incorporating AI into roles that build, manage, or apply AI technologies; and strengthening workforce pipelines in high-demand areas such as data centers, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing.
“Registered Apprenticeships remain one of the nation’s most effective workforce development models,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “With millions of new jobs projected in emerging sectors over the next decade, this initiative positions apprenticeships... to meet growing workforce demand.”
National intermediary role. The selected contractor will serve as a national intermediary, and the initiative is intended to support new apprenticeship pathways in high-demand AI roles while integrating AI skills into traditional trades and infrastructure occupations and helping employers meet talent needs.
The department plans to award a single contract with a one-year base period and four option years. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the solicitation on sam.gov under Notice ID 1605C2-26-R-00003, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Skills in Registered Apprenticeships.”
MOU with NSF. DOL has also announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Science Foundation intended to advance workforce development efforts related to AI. The MOU formalizes the partnership with the NSF on the TechAccess: AI-Ready America initiative, a national effort led by NSF to expand access to AI knowledge, tools, and training for American workers and businesses. In addition to the MOU, the NSF recently announced it will make available up to $224M in funding for the establishment of up to 56 State/Territory Coordination Hubs to drive AI readiness across the country.
Under the MOU, the department and NSF will collaborate on initiatives intended to equip American workers with the knowledge and skills to succeed in an AI-driven economy; support strategies that prepare workers for transitions and advancement opportunities created by AI adoption; and conduct research on how AI is transforming labor markets, job requirements, and economic outcomes.
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